Systems and methods for updating in-game content

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for updating content of a mobile video game allow for mobile communication devices to receive updated content for video games that operate on the devices. The updates may be promotional in nature, and may be pre-selected based on the device type, service, or service provider. The game may contain instructions that cause the mobile communication device to contact an interface and/or server to receive updated content. After the updated content is received by the mobile communication device, the content may be displayed in-game. The user of the mobile communication device may be provided with one or more options that affect the frequency or ability to receive or display updated content. In addition, the server may track what content has already been received by the mobile communication device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to systems and methods for providingupdated video game content to a mobile communication device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many mobile communication devices (including cellular phones, PDAs, andother handheld devices capable of communicating with a server) arecapable of operating video games. Most current mobile communicationdevices come equipped with one or more games at the time of purchase,and most modern mobile communication devices also allow users todownload and/or purchase new games. As mobile communication devicetechnology has advanced, the games available for these devices havebecome more robust. For example, most current mobile communicationdevices include color screens that can support games with detailed colorgraphics, and more content may generally fit onto these screens than onscreens of older mobile devices. As a result, gaming on mobilecommunication devices has become a popular mode of entertainment in amobile environment.

However, all video games tend to have a popularity life span. As gameelements become increasingly familiar to players, the game may hold lesssurprises and/or no longer present a challenge to the user, at whichpoint the user may stop playing that particular game in favor of others.Because mobile communication devices are generally less powerful thanpersonal computers and stand-alone video game consoles, some games formobile communication devices may be relatively simple or repetitive bycomparison. Typically, games that hold user interest for longer periodsof time are more valuable than games that users leave behind quickly. Asa result, game creators are always looking for ways to make games thathold the user's interest for a longer period of time.

The recent surge in technical capabilities of mobile communicationdevices has also spawned attractive new promotional possibilities.Because an extremely large number of people worldwide own mobilecommunication devices, many third parties may wish to advertise withinthe screen of a mobile communication device. In particular, when a userplays a game on the mobile communication device, the user's fullattention may be directed to the screen of the mobile communicationdevice. Therefore, providing in-game advertising space in the palm ofthe user's hand is an attractive proposition for both buyers and sellersof the space.

Permanent advertisements within a video game that is played on a mobilecommunication device may be presented in various ways. For example, thebackground of the video game might contain a permanent advertisement fora third party. In most cases, this advertisement would generate revenuefor the maker of the game, while also serving as a valuable promotionalopportunity for the third party.

However, the potential popularity of a mobile communication device gamemay be unknown until after the game is released to the public. Eventhen, it may be difficult to gauge how long the game will keep itspopularity. This creates uncertainty in the process of buying andselling promotional space within a video game. Specifically, becauselong term popularity is difficult to determine, both the game companyand the third-party advertiser may find valuation of the permanentin-game advertisement space difficult. The third party may not want topay for a permanent ad that spans the lifetime of the game, when thesuccess of the game is relatively uncertain.

It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide systems andmethods for updating in-game content on a mobile communication device.Some embodiments may prolong user interest in a game for a mobilecommunication device, and make promotional opportunities morepredictable and/or desirable, as follows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with embodiments of the invention, systems and methods forupdating in-game content on a mobile communication device are provided.

In an embodiment, a mobile communication device may comprise a screenfor viewing by the user, a processor, and a memory. The memory maycontain instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause thecommunications device to operate a video game, contact a server to checkfor updated content to use in the video game, download the updatedcontent to the communications device from a server, and display theupdated content within the video game. The video game itself may bepresented on the screen.

The displayed content may be, for example, promotional content. Thecontent may be displayed within the game at a location based on userinteraction.

In addition, various steps may exist for checking updated content on theserver. For example, checking for updated content on the server may beperformed upon launch of the video game, in some embodiments. The checkmay also be performed upon request by a user of the mobile communicationdevice. In addition, checking for updated content may also be performedperiodically.

In some embodiments, the mobile communication device may receive andutilize a message from the server in response to checking for updatedcontent. For example, the message may contain information that isdisplayed to the user. Alternatively or in addition, the message maydescribe updated content available at the server.

The communications device may, in some embodiments, check whether theupdated content should be downloaded before downloading the updatedcontent from the server. If downloading is appropriate, thecommunications device may send a follow-up request to the serverindicating that the user wishes to download the updated content from theserver. Subsequently, the communications device may download the updatedcontent.

Another embodiment disclosed herein includes a computer-readable mediumcontaining instructions for execution by a mobile communication device.The instructions may cause the mobile communication device to operate avideo game, contact a server to check for updated content for use in thevideo game, download the updated content to the communications device,and display the updated content within the video game. The video gamemay be presented within a screen controlled by the mobile communicationdevice.

A method for distributing updated content to a communications device foruse in a video game that runs on the communications device is disclosedherein. In an embodiment, the method may comprise the steps of storingupdated content on a computer-readable medium, receiving a request forupdated content from a mobile communication device, the updated contentbeing usable in a video-game that already exists on the communicationsdevice, and uploading content to the communications device from theserver, the content being usable when the video game operates on thecommunications device.

For example, the content may be promotional content. Information may besent to the communications device regarding the in-game placementlocation of the content. In addition, the content may include a helpfultip or suggestion to the user of the video game.

Some embodiments may include the additional step of checking whether thecommunications device should receive the updated content beforeuploading the updated content to the communications device. In addition,the method may call for tracking what updated content has been uploaded.

Further, some embodiments may include a system for distributing updatedvideo game content to a communications device. The system may comprise astorage medium for storing updated content for use in a video game, aserver in communication with the storage medium, and an interfacecoupled to the server and a network, wherein the interface receives arequest for updated content from the communications device over thenetwork. In some systems, the server may be operative to receive arequest through the interface and utilize the request to send theupdated content from the storage medium to the communications device,the content being displayable in a video game on the communicationsdevice.

The content may be promotional content. In addition, the server may sendinformation to the communications device regarding the in-game placementlocation of the content. The server may send a message to the mobilecommunication device in response to receiving the request, the messagerelating to the content. In some embodiments, the message ispre-selected by the server based on a model type associated with thecommunications device, a service subscription associated with thecommunications device, or a service provider for the servicesubscription associated with the communications device.

Further, the server may store an indicator of whether the mobilecommunication device should receive the updated content. In theseembodiments, the server may check the indicator before uploading theupdated content to the communications device. The server may also trackthe distribution of updated content.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of theinvention and together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an overview diagram of exemplary components used to updatein-game content on a mobile communication device in accordance with someembodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A-B are diagrams of an exemplary scene in a video game played ona mobile communication device in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 3A-B are exemplary flow charts that include steps taken by amobile communication device to update in-game content in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A-B are exemplary flow charts that include steps taken by aserver to update in-game content on a mobile communication device inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the present exemplaryembodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numberswill be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing background descriptionand the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatoryonly and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.

This application incorporates by reference in its entirety the U.S.Patent Application entitled “Systems and Methods for Providing In-GameHot Spots,” filed concurrently with this application.

As used herein, a server includes any remote system capable of receivingcommunication from a handheld device over a network, such as theInternet, intranet, local area network, telecommunications network,and/or Ethernet.

An embodiment of the invention described below allows a game companyand/or provider to provide updated content to a mobile communicationdevice for use in a mobile video game that operates on the mobilecommunication device. The ability to update in-game content may allowgame companies to keep game elements fresh and prolong user enjoyment ofthe game. For example, a particular scene within the game may berearranged so that the user has something new to look at or explore. Inone embodiment, the updated content may comprise a new level within thegame. In addition, the game company may charge third-party advertisers afee per downloaded promotional update. Consequently, the game maysustain its popularity and be more profitable for the game creator thanexisting mobile communication device games.

The game may be more attractive to third-party advertisers and providepromotional revenue for the game provider. An embodiment may provide anavenue for selling time blocks of in-game advertising. Third parties maynow have the option to advertise for a period of time, rather thanpermanently, within a video game for a mobile communication device. Thisflexibility may allow the negotiation of promotional contracts thatinvolve less guess-work with respect to the placing advertisements orvirtual products within a video game on a mobile communication device.Further, an embodiment herein also provides promotional opportunitiesfor third parties that could not previously afford to placeadvertisements within a game for a mobile communication device. Forexample, while purchasing a promotional spot that lasts the lifetime ofthe game may not be feasible, it may be much cheaper to purchase asmaller block of time.

In some embodiments, advertisements may be tracked on a per-view orper-download basis. In these embodiments, it may be possible for thegame company and/or distributor to profit based upon when promotionalcontent is downloaded and/or viewed.

In addition, local third party advertisers may be able to placepromotional content on mobile communication devices located within aproximity to the locality.

The ability to place updated content within the game may also provide anavenue for signing additional promotional contracts after the game hasalready been publicly released. For example, in a previously-releasedgame, a bar scene might be filled with updated bottles that show acompany logo not present at the time of the game's launch. The ongoingpromotional aspects of such a system could be very attractive to bothbuyers and sellers of promotional space.

FIG. 1 is an overview diagram of exemplary components used to updatein-game content on a mobile communication device in accordance withseveral embodiments of the present invention. Turning to FIG. 1, both adistribution block 125 and a creation block 140 are shown. In thedistribution block 125, the user 105 plays a mobile video game on mobilecommunication device 110. In some embodiments, the game includesinstructions to check 115 for updated content at server 120. The mobilecommunication device may perform this check 115 by connecting to server120 through network 122.

In some embodiments, the mobile communication device 110 may contain aprocessor and a memory. The program instructions for the mobile videogame may be located in the memory and executed by the processor, causingthe game to operate on the mobile communication device. The mobilecommunication device may also contain a screen for displaying the mobilevideo game to the user 105.

The network 122 may include, for example, the global internet.Alternatively or in addition, the network 122 may include a phone ordata network. In an embodiment, the mobile communication device 110 mayconnect to an interface (not shown) that may, in turn, pass a requestfor updated content to server 120. The interface may be part of server120 or a separate device, depending on the embodiment. For example, theinterface may receive communications from the network, validate thecommunications as coming from a known or compatible source, and thenrelay the communications to the server 120. In addition, server 120 mayactually be implemented as one or more servers.

In the example of FIG. 1, updated content for a particular mobilecommunications device is stored on a data storage medium 130 as part ofa group of pre-selected content for the mobile communications device. Inthis example, the data storage medium 130 is computer-readable.Potential data storage mediums include a hard drive, memory (such asRAM), and other storage devices (e.g., flash memory, a USB drive,compact disk, DVD, tape, or other media). The data storage medium may beimplemented by one or more distinct storage mediums. In someembodiments, the updated content may be organized or indexed by adatabase of pre-selected content. The storage medium 130 may be a partof server 120 in some embodiments.

After server 120 receives a communication request from mobilecommunication device 110, server 120 may check whether updated contentis available for one or more mobile video games. If updated content isavailable, server 120 may send or provide (i.e., upload) the updatedcontent to mobile communication device 110. Other steps, such asperforming a check of whether the user wishes to receive the updatedcontent, are possible in some embodiments. For example, the server 120may store an indicator of whether updated content should be sent to theparticular mobile communication device 110. Additionally, before theupdated content is downloaded, the user 105 may be prompted by mobilecommunication device 110 to make sure the user 105 wishes to add theupdated content to the mobile video game.

Other user information may also be utilized to determine which updatedcontent to download, such as the sex, age, or interests of the user.Other checks are also possible, such as the geographic location of theuser. In one embodiment, the user may be queried for this information.In another embodiment, the mobile communications device automaticallytransmits the information to the server and/or the server stores theinformation for later use.

Once the updated content has been downloaded by mobile communicationdevice 110, the content may be placed in-game (i.e., within the videogame environment). The updated content may replace or supplementpreviously existing content within the game. For example, the updatedcontent may be a new background, or it may include a new item that theuser interacts with in-game.

The updated content may be loaded into the server 120 and/or storagemedium 130 from any number of external sources (although typical serveraccess restrictions may apply). In FIG. 1, computer 140 may upload theupdated content to the server 120. In other embodiments, the updatedcontent may be created on server 120. In still other embodiments, a user105 may have the option create the updated content. For example, someembodiments may allow the user 110 to upload a picture to server 120,either via the mobile communication device 110 or some other device,such as a personal computer. An embodiment may also allow for thepicture to be used as part of the updated content.

The server 120 may be in communication with the storage medium 130 thatcontains the updated content so that the updated content may beretrieved and sent to the mobile communication device 110.

FIGS. 2A-B are diagrams of an exemplary scene in a mobile video gameplayed on a mobile communication device in accordance with severalembodiments. The exemplary screen is from a darts game, which includesdart board 210. However, embodiments disclosed herein may benefit alltypes of mobile video games, and are not limited to darts games or anyother particular type of mobile video game that is available for mobilecommunication devices.

Turning now to FIG. 2A, several items 210, 220, 225, 230, and 235 areshown within scene 200. In this example, virtually any of these itemsmay be changed by receiving updated content on the mobile communicationdevice. For instance, the shirt 230 might be updated to include a logoassociated with third party X (as shown). The poster 225 might advertisean upcoming movie for third party Y, and chalk board 220 may contain ahandwritten advertisement for third party Z (as shown).

The timing of updated content becoming available may be driven bypromotional contract terms, such as with third parties X, Y, and Z. Inthis example, when the promotional contract with third party X ends, thelogo on shirt 230 may be removed. In addition, the mobile communicationdevice may thereafter download updated content reflecting a new graphic,shirt, or entirely new object, to place at 230. The updated shirt 230may not even be promotional item, or it may advertise the in-gameavailability of a promotional spot. As an example, the shirt may bereplaced with a sign that states “space available.” Localizedpromotional content may removed and/or replaced in a shorter time frameif the mobile communication device enters a new local area withdifferent localized promotional content in some embodiments.

Turning to FIG. 2B, if third party X is a beverage company, a beverage232 resembling those made by third party X could be placed within scene200. In the example in FIG. 2B, the blackboard may be replaced withupdated content, such as window 232. This may be done, for example, ifthe promotional contract with third party Z ends. Alternatively, thetext on blackboard 220 of FIG. 2A may be erased and/or replaced with newtext.

Other content of the mobile video game, such as the shape, design,coloring of dartboard 210 or the texture or coloring of background 215may be updated. In other games, new weapons, interactive characters,levels, hot spots, and other items may be provided as part of theupdate. In short, any content element used in the mobile video game maybe updated, depending on the embodiment.

FIGS. 3A-B are exemplary flow charts that include steps taken by amobile communication device to update in-game content in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention. Turning to FIG. 3A, the mobilecommunication device operates a mobile video game at step 305. Themobile video game may be any type of game operable on a mobilecommunication device.

At step 310, the mobile communication device may contact a server. Aswill be explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 3B, contactingthe server may be triggered by many different events and occur at manydifferent times, depending on the embodiment. The mobile video game maybe concurrently operating in some embodiments, or not operating in otherembodiments.

After the server has been contacted, at step 310, the mobilecommunications device checks for an available update for the mobilevideo game. If updated content for the mobile video game is available,the mobile communication device may begin downloading the content atstep 320. The length of time that passes between contacting the serverat 310 and downloading the updated content varies between embodimentsand depends on many factors, some of which are discussed in more detailwith reference to FIG. 3B. For example, other communications, such as anauthorization to download files, may occur before downloading begins insome embodiments. Alternatively or in addition, downloading may bedelayed in an embodiment until a time when more bandwidth is availableor when downloading will not disrupt game play.

At step 340, the mobile communication device may display the updatedcontent within the mobile video game (i.e., in-game). For example, theshirt 230 from FIG. 2A may be removed and replaced with the bottle 232from FIG. 2B. The exact timing of when the updated content is displayedin-game varies depending on the embodiment.

Additionally, user interaction within the game may determine thelocation of content placement. For example, motion sensing deviceswithin the mobile communication device may be used to determine wherethe updated content is displayed within the gaming environment. In onesuch embodiment, the user may make a throwing motion while holding themobile communication device, which detects the motion and displays athrown dart on dartboard 210 along with a message based upon the updatedcontent. The mobile communication device may detect the motion via acamera component of the mobile communication device. In anotherembodiment, motion is detected by one or more gyroscopes within themobile communication device.

Some embodiments may require the user to agree to display the contentbefore the updated content is displayed. An embodiment might alsoinclude presenting the user with a message explaining the updatedcontent. For example, before the updated content is displayed, the usermight be presented with a message that states “X would like toredecorate this room”. In some of those embodiments, the user may havethe option of accepting or declining the display of the updated content.

The updated content may also be displayed in a pop-up window. Pop-upwindows that are spawned from the operation of the game are consideredto be in-game for the purpose of this disclosure.

Turning now to FIG. 3B, a more elaborate set of exemplary steps followedby a mobile communication device in some embodiments is presented. Atstep 305, the mobile communication device may operate a mobile videogame.

Unlike in FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B includes intervening steps 306, 307, and 309for triggering checks for updated content. Requests (i.e., checks) forupdated content may or may not specify particular content, depending onthe embodiment. For example, the mobile communication device may notknow what updated content, if any, is available when the mobilecommunication device contacts the server at step 310. In someembodiments, the mobile communication device may identify a particulargame, scene, and/or element within the game when it contacts the server.In other embodiments, the mobile communication device may requestupdated content for several games during contact with the server at step310.

Some of the methods for triggering a content update will now bediscussed. In some embodiments, the user may manually request updatedcontent at step 306. For example, the video game operating on the mobilecommunication device may include a selectable option to retrieve updatedcontent. Selecting this option may cause the mobile communication deviceto immediately contact the server and check for content to download atstep 310 in some embodiments. Alternatively, there may be furtheroptions, including retrieving updated content when the game ends or atsome other time.

In one embodiment, the mobile communication device may request updatedcontent upon initialization of the video game. For example, when thegame is selected or otherwise initialized by the user, the mobilecommunication device may automatically contact the server to check forcontent to download at step 310. In some of embodiments, the check maynot be performed automatically on every startup. For example, uponinitializing the game, the mobile communication device may check howmuch time has passed since the previous updated content download beforeautomatically contacting to the server at 310. In those embodiments, themobile communication device may track the dates of one or more previouscontent updates.

In some embodiments, at step 309, the mobile communication device mayconnect to the server to check for updated content when the time periodsince the last request for updated content exceeds a threshold. Aspreviously stated, in some embodiments step 309 is combined with step307. In other embodiments, the time period since the last update ischecked at times other than upon initializing the game. For example,upon reaching a certain level or scene in the game, the mobilecommunication device may examine the last time the game, level, and/orscene was updated. If the time period exceeds a threshold, then themobile device may contact the server at 310. The threshold time periodbetween updates may vary depending upon the game and the embodiment. Insome embodiments, the user may be able to increase or reduce thefrequency of content updates by lowering or raising the thresholdperiod. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a user with lowerbandwidth limits may not want to check for updates as often as a userwho has higher limits in their service plan.

In other embodiments, the mobile communication device may utilize aseparate scheduler program to schedule a request for updated content.When the scheduled time for checking for updated content arrives, themobile communication device may contact the server. The video game maynot be operating while the request is sent in some of those embodiments.Alternatively, at the scheduled time, the mobile communication devicemay launch a component of the game to request updated content from theserver.

At step 310, the mobile communication device may contact the server tocheck for updated content to download. Contacting the server may beaccomplished by using the network accessible by the mobile communicationdevice in an embodiment. Some embodiments may contact the server overthe Internet, while other embodiments may require traversing other typesof networks to contact the server. In some embodiments, the server iscontacted by first connecting to an interface. The interface mayvalidate the mobile communication device as belonging to a particularservice and/or confirm that the mobile communication device isconfigured and/or allowed to receive updated content.

Other embodiments may not contact the server unless the user hasselected a game option that allows content updates. In some of thoseembodiments, if the user requests a content update at step 306, therequest may override current settings concerning whether content updatesare allowed.

In some embodiments, when the mobile communication device contacts theserver, the mobile communication device may send the server one or moreversion identification numbers for content currently on the mobilecommunication device. The server may use these version identificationnumbers to determine if the mobile communication device already hasdownloaded some or all of the updated content available for download. Inthose embodiments, sending the version identification number may helpeliminate downloads of duplicative updated content. In one embodiment,the mobile communication device may execute a checksum algorithm on theversion identifier (and/or compare the identifier to locally-storeddata) to determine whether the updated hot spot associated with theversion identifier has already been downloaded. Any known algorithm forchecking whether content has previously been downloaded, thus reducingdownload redundancy, may be used in an embodiment.

Before reaching step 312, the server in some embodiments may verifywhether the mobile communication device should receive content updatesbefore sending the updated content. To make this verification, theserver may track whether the mobile communication device should receiveupdated content.

At step 312, the mobile communication device may receive an initialmessage from the server. In some embodiments, this message may alert theuser of available updated content and/or ask the user whether they wishto receive the updated content. For example, an embodiment may requirethe user to allow the updated content at step 315 in order for thecontent updating process to continue. The initial message, presented atstep 312, may be influenced by whether the server data suggests that themobile communication device should receive updates. For example, theinitial message received at step 312 could be a message specifying thatthe mobile communication device is not configured to receive updatedcontent. The initial message may also describe the features of theupdated content to aid the user in deciding whether to download thecontent. In addition, the initial message may also specify details aboutthe available updated content, such as file size, number of files,and/or estimated download time. In some embodiments, parameters may beset so that this presentation and/or authorization is bypassed.

The initial message may also include information for use by the mobilecommunication device that is not displayed to the user. For example, theinitial message may provide information that helps the mobilecommunication device to internally check what available updated contentis already present on the mobile communication device. In someembodiments, this may allow the mobile communication device to presentthe user with only those new content features that the mobilecommunication device has not already implemented. In one embodiment, themobile communication device may execute a checksum algorithm on at leasta portion of the received message (and/or compare the message tolocally-stored data) to determine whether the updated content associatedwith the message has already been downloaded.

In addition, the initial message at step 312 may be promotional innature. For example, the message may state “X would like to redecoratethis scene.” Therefore, even if the user declines the update, anembodiment may still promote the third party (e.g., X) in a certain waywithout requiring the download. Sending a promotional initial message atstep 312 may also provide the game company with a means of tracking thenumber of times users view promotional content. This embodiment also mayallow a game company to charge the advertising third party on a per-viewbasis. In other words, the game company may profit for each time thepromotional initial message is presented to a user at step 312.

The initial message may be pre-selected based upon at least one of thefactors including a type of the mobile communication device, atelecommunication service, a subscription associated with the mobilecommunication device, and a service provider of the telecommunicationservice. For example, a particular service provider may wish to providean initial message that thanks the user of the mobile communicationdevice for using their services. In another example, newer mobilecommunication devices may be able to display a more elaborate initialmessage, so distinguishing among types of mobile communication devicesmay allow a game provider to maximize the experience on each type ofmobile communication device.

Continuing at step 317, the mobile communication device may send afollow-up request to the server. The request may include whether or notthe mobile communication device should receive the updated content. Forexample, if the mobile device determines, at step 315, that it shouldnot receive updated content, the follow-up request may alert the serverto take no further action. In some embodiments, the mobile communicationdevice may not send a follow-up request if receiving updated content isdisallowed. Conversely, if receiving updated content is allowed, thefollow-up request sent to the server at step 317 may include anindication that the updated content should be sent to mobile device fromthe server.

In some embodiments, the follow-up request may specify which updatedcontent the user wishes to download. For example, the initial message atstep 312 may allow the user to select less than all of the availableupdated content for download. Additionally, the mobile communicationdevice may already have some of the updated content that is available onthe server, in which case the mobile communication device may not needto download that content again.

In yet another embodiment, the user may specify when to download theupdated content. For example, the user may wish to delay the downloaduntil some later time when the user is not placing calls, playing agame, or otherwise using the mobile communication device. The follow-uprequest may alert the server that the download may occur at some othertime.

The follow-up request may also allow the server to track the success ofpromotional messages. For instance, if a high percentage of users rejectdownloading of updated content after being presented with a particularmessage, the message may be ineffective.

At step 320, the mobile communication device may receive updated contentfrom the server. In some embodiments, this may occur while the game isoperating on the mobile communication device. In other embodiments, themobile communication device may receive the updated content at someother time. As stated previously, the user may specify when the downloadwill occur in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the mobile communication device may recognizecertain files (of updated content) as already downloaded to the mobilecommunication device. In these embodiments, the mobile communicationdevice may automatically bypass the repeated download of this updatedcontent.

The server may track the number of mobile communication devices thathave downloaded promotional content. For example, the game company mayuse this information to profit from each download of a third-partyadvertisement.

The pre-selected content may be stored on a storage medium accessible bythe server. Updated content may be chosen from pre-selected contentbased on at least one of the factors including a type of the mobilecommunication device, a telecommunication service, a subscriptionassociated with the mobile communication device, and a service providerof the telecommunication service. For example, a particular serviceprovider may wish to provide content that includes the serviceprovider's logo. In another example, newer mobile communication devicesmay be able to display a elaborate content, so distinguishing amongtypes of mobile communication devices may allow a game provider tomaximize the experience on each type of mobile communication device.

At step 325, a version identifier for the received content may be saved.This identifier may be saved on the mobile communication device, theserver, both, or neither, depending on the embodiment. Saving theidentifier may help prevent against downloading duplicative contentupdates in some embodiments. In embodiments where the server stores theversion identifier, the version identifier may be stored in a databasetable in relation to a mobile communication device identification value.This may allow the server to verify which updated contents the mobilecommunication device has already received the next time the mobiledevice requests updated content. The identifier data may be stored on astorage medium such as described with reference to FIG. 1 (e.g., storagemedium 130).

Similarly, in some embodiments, if the mobile device saves the versionidentifier locally, the mobile device may use the saved versionidentifier to request only different content versions. This may beachieved, as previously mentioned, by sending one or more versionidentifiers to the server at either step 310 or step 317, depending onthe embodiment. Alternatively, the mobile communication device maycompare available content identifiers received from the server withversion identifiers on the mobile communication device, when analyzingwhich files to receive.

At step 330, the mobile communication device may determine the locationof the content placement. In some embodiments, the downloaded updatedcontent includes coordinates. For example, the coordinates may specify alocation along the horizontal axis of the screen and the vertical axisof the screen for placing an image. In these embodiments, the actualpositioning of the updated content within the viewable screen of themobile communication device depends on the current view of the scene inwhich the updated content is situated. In some embodiments, such asgames with three-dimensional views, the coordinates may additionallyspecify a location along a depth axis. In other embodiments, thecoordinates may specify a fixed location on the screen of the mobilecommunication device.

In some embodiments, the coordinates may also include scene, level, ortime information for displaying the updated content. For example, in thedarts game illustrated in FIGS. 2A-B, different messages may be writtenon chalk board 220 when the user has been playing the game for a certainamount of time or has achieved a certain score.

In still more embodiments, the coordinates comprise a selection of oneor more predefined in-game locations. For example, turning back to FIG.2A, a first location may be where the shirt 230 is hanging, a secondlocation may be where poster 225 is positioned, a third location may bewhere the dart board 210 is placed, and so on. In that embodiment, thecoordinates need only identify the pre-defined location (rather thanpositions along the axes) and the mobile communication device maydisplay the updated content at that location.

In other embodiments, the updated content may not include coordinates.For example, the mobile communication device may have a predefinedlocation for placing updated content and not require further guidancefrom the server.

In some embodiments, the placement location of updated content isdetermined based on user interaction. For example, in the darts gameshown in FIGS. 2A-B, content may be placed on dart board 210 after theuser throws an object at the dartboard. User interaction may be detectedby motion sensing devices within the mobile communication device todetermine where the updated content is displayed within the gamingenvironment. For example, the user may make a throwing motion whileholding the mobile communication device, which detects the motion anddisplays a thrown dart on dartboard 210 along with a message based uponthe updated content.

At step 340, the mobile communication device may place the updatedcontent in-game. As previously stated, this may not occur until aparticular scene is displayed or a particular user interaction occurs.The content may include a message, graphics, animation, and/or sound,depending on the embodiment.

Some embodiments include an option for the user to remove in-gameupdated content, at step 350. Similarly, at step 360, the mobilecommunication device may restore original content to the game. Forexample, the user may be able to restore the scene 202 of FIG. 2B to thescene 200 of FIG. 2A by selecting an option within the game in someembodiments. In some embodiments, this is achieved by archiving originalcontent on the mobile communication device. In other embodiments,original content may be archived on the server for download by themobile communication device.

FIGS. 4A-B are exemplary flow charts that include steps taken by aserver to update in-game content on a mobile communication device inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Turning now toFIG. 4A, the server may store updated content on a computer-readablemedium in some embodiments. The computer-readable medium may be thestorage medium discussed with respect to FIG. 1 (i.e., storage medium130) in some embodiments.

At step 430, the server may receive a request for updated content fromthe mobile communication device. This request may be an inquiryregarding a particular game, scene, and/or element within the game. Insome embodiments, the request is an inquiry for updated content formultiple mobile video games. The request may also contain a versionidentifier that may help the server determine what updated content themobile communication device has already downloaded. In addition, therequest may allow the server to determine the type of mobilecommunication device, the service subscription associated with themobile communications device, or the service provider from which therequest is received.

At step 450, the server may upload the content to the mobilecommunication device. In one embodiment, the updated content may beprovided from pre-selected content based on the type of mobilecommunication device, the service subscription associated with themobile communications device, or the service provider from which therequest is received.

Turning now to FIG. 4B, a more elaborate set of steps followed by aserver in some embodiments is presented. At step 410, the server maystore updated content in a storage medium. In some embodiments, theupdated content is indexed in a database, such as a relational database.The storage medium may be any number of types of memory or devices, suchas described above with reference to FIG. 3B.

At step 420, an interface may receive a request for updated content froma mobile communications device. The interface may be configureddifferently depending on the embodiment, and as previously discussedwith respect to FIG. 1.

In some embodiments, the request may include one or more versionidentification numbers. These version identification numbers may be usedby the server to determine if the mobile communication device alreadyhas some or all of the updated content available for download. In thoseembodiments, sending the version identification number may helpeliminate downloads of duplicative updated content. In otherembodiments, no version identification is included in the request.

At step 425, the interface in some embodiments may verify whether themobile communication device should receive content updates beforesending the updated content. In an embodiment, the interface verifiesthat the mobile communication device belongs to a particular servicesubscription. In another embodiment, the interface may query stored datato determine whether the mobile communication device is configured toreceive updated content. If the mobile communication device isconfigured to receive updated content, the interface may pass therequest to the server. In some embodiments, the server will receive therequest without (or regardless of) any querying by the interface. Inother embodiments, the verification is handled after the server receivesthe request.

The server may receive the request at step 430. In some embodiments step420 and 430 are combined.

At step 440, the server may attempt to determine what content should besent to the mobile communication device. For example, the determinationmay be based on the model type of the mobile communication device, theservice plan or subscription to which the mobile device belongs, theservice provider that provides the plan to the mobile device, the baselocation of the mobile device, the current location of the mobiledevice, which updates the mobile device has already received, and/orother criteria associated with the user or the mobile communicationsdevice.

In an embodiment, the server uses the base location of the mobilecommunication device to provide localized promotional content. Forexample, the server may query a database of content using the area codeof the mobile communication device to promote businesses that are in ornear the area code. Similarly, the mobile communication device mayreport its current location to the server. In some of those embodiments,the server may determine updated content to send to the mobilecommunication device includes promotional content for businesses nearthe mobile communication device's current location. The promotioncontent, for example, may be organized into geographical zones.Therefore, in one aspect, choosing the updated content to upload to themobile communications device may involve determining which geographicalzone the mobile communication device currently or previously belongedto.

The server may also add an element of randomness to the selection ofupdated content in some embodiments. In these embodiments, more than onepromotional item may be eligible for placement in an in-game scene orlocation, and the server may choose what updated content to send basedat least partially on chance. In another similar embodiment, the servermay send content to one or more mobile communication devices on arotational basis. For example, if content A was previously sent to amobile communication device, content B may be sent to the next mobilecommunication device to contact the server. In this way, the server maytake turns selecting which content to send to a mobile communicationdevice that requests updated content.

At step 450, the updated content may be sent to the mobile communicationdevice. The updated content may be sent immediately in some embodiments,or it may be sent at some other time. In addition, some updated contentmay be sent in different download blocks. In this way, the mobilecommunication device may be able to display some updated content beforeall of the updated content is received.

The server may also track the number of times promotional content issent, as previously mentioned.

In some embodiments, at step 460, the mobile communication device maysend a confirmation to the server indicating a successful transaction.In embodiments comprising a server that tracks what updated content themobile communication device has already received, the server may notcount the updated content as received until the confirmation isreturned. In some embodiments, the server receives confirmation when thelast of the updated content data is transferred to the mobilecommunication device. In yet another embodiment, the mobilecommunication device chooses which content to display from a pool ofcontent already downloaded.

Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from consideration of the specification and practice of theinvention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification andexamples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spiritof the invention being indicated by the following claims.

1.-31. (canceled)
 32. A system for providing updated video-game contentto a mobile communication device for use in a mobile video game, thesystem comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumhaving stored thereon software code that, when executed by a processor,is capable of performing the steps of: receiving a request for theupdated video-game content from the mobile communication device, theupdated video-game content being usable in the video game on the mobilecommunication device; checking what updated video-game content to sendbased on at least one of a type of the mobile communication device, atelecom service associated with the mobile communication device, or aservice provider of the telecom service; and sending the updatedvideo-game content to the mobile communication device, the video-gamecontent being usable when the video game operates on the mobilecommunication device.
 33. The system of claim 32, wherein the updatedvideo-game content comprises promotional content.
 34. The system ofclaim 32, wherein the software code, when executed by the processor, isfurther capable of performing the step of checking whether the mobilecommunication device should receive the updated video-game contentbefore uploading the updated video-game content to the mobilecommunication device.
 35. The system of claim 32, wherein the softwarecode, when executed by the processor, is further capable of performingthe step of sending information to the mobile communication device aspart of the updated content, the information providing an in-gameplacement location associated with the updated video-game content. 36.The system of claim 32, wherein the software code, when executed by theprocessor, is further capable of performing the step of tracking whathas been uploaded to the mobile communication device.
 37. The system ofclaim 32, wherein uploading updated video-game content to the mobilecommunication device further comprises displaying the video-game contentwithin the game at a location based on user interaction.
 38. The systemof claim 32, wherein the video-game content is scheduled to be displayedin the video game for a predetermined period of time.
 39. The system ofclaim 32, wherein the video-game content is selected based on thelocation of the mobile communication device.
 40. The system of claim 32,wherein the video-game content is selected based on user informationspecific to a user of the mobile communication device.
 41. The system ofclaim 33, wherein the promotional content comprises an advertisement.42. The system of claim 32, wherein the updated video-game contentcomprises content uploaded by a user of the mobile communication device.